2 posts in this topic

Rick 416

Minnesota is capable of sustaining high densities of pheasants. Prior to the mid-1960s, pheasant habitat was provided as a byproduct of farming practices, resulting in abundant habitat and pheasants. But the transformation from small, diversified farms to intensive row cropping and confined livestock has dramatically reduced habitat and pheasant numbers. One proven method of increasing pheasant numbers is by increasing the amount of reproductive habitat (undisturbed grass).

The conservation provisions of the 2002 Farm Bill offer the best potential opportunities in 40 years to establish undisturbed grasslands. This plan describes strategies and actions to add 330,000 acres of new grasslands by 2008 (i.e., through the life of the 2002 Farm Bill), raising the average harvest from 360,000 to 450,000 roosters.

Much additional work will be needed after this plan is implemented to achieve the strategic vision of a pheasant harvest averaging 750,000 roosters by 2025. This vision will require an additional 1.56 million acres of habitat development at a minimal cost of $1.6 billion. Such a daunting undertaking is only achievable with an increased emphasis on conservation within future farm programs plus a significant source of new conservation funding (e.g., a dedicated sales tax).

To maximize efficiency, future habitat efforts should focus on balancing reproductive and winter habitat needs within small (9 square mile) landscapes, based on the research and inventory that will be completed under this long range plan.

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kentuck_ike 0

My dad & I just put 150 acres in the lifetime crep. It will have a core wintering area, a nesting area, 3 food plots, a pond & a slough. The work starts next spring. The best part is, it is all right out my front door.

Went out yesterday after the wake and visitation with Finn. He flushed two hens and I saw him chasing a rooster but I am not fast enough to keep up. It flushed about a hundred yards out from me. We seen one grouse but it flushed 60 yards in front of Finn and he was only 10 yards infront of me. Then Finn started going crazy so he headed into the cat tails and wow 50 or so mallards flew at me and then 7 big swans. Finn did not look happy that I just watched them. It was a fun little trip.
Anyone else Lise out there chasing birds yet?

Quick question, we have never come up in the winter, but it's my understanding the ice is usually questionable around Oak Narrows and Timbuktu. Does anyone know what the ice is usually like in Birch Narrows (West Hinsdale) and Smarts Bay (SW area Hinsdale) around the Retreat Lodge Area which is where our island property is.
Thanks for any insight